An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a harness & lanyard inspection record is
A harness and lanyard inspection record documents the examination of fall-arrest equipment — webbing, stitching, buckles, D-rings, energy absorbers and connectors — so that damaged or shock-loaded equipment is taken out of use.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template and does not itself inspect anything — inspection of fall-protection equipment is a competent-person task, alongside the user’s own pre-use check.
Purpose
- Confirm fall-arrest harnesses and lanyards remain safe to use.
- Check webbing, stitching, buckles, D-rings and connectors.
- Remove damaged or shock-loaded equipment from use.
- Support safe work at height alongside the rescue plan.
Who completes it
- A competent person nominated by the employer to inspect fall protection.
- Users carry out a pre-use check before each use.
- The employer decides who is competent and what is in scope.
- Equipment involved in a fall is taken out of use under the process.
When it is used
- On a periodic cycle set by the maker’s information and the employer.
- Before each use, as a user check.
- Immediately after any fall or shock load.
- When damage, contamination or wear is found.
Typical fields
- Equipment identity or serial, type and the user it is issued to.
- Date of inspection, the inspector and the next due date.
- Webbing, stitching, buckles, D-rings, energy absorber and connectors.
- Result: in service, remove from use, or quarantine pending decision.
- Inspector sign-off.
- Example fields only — adapt to the equipment and the maker’s information.
Common mistakes
- Continuing to use equipment that has arrested a fall.
- Missing cuts, fraying or chemical damage to webbing.
- No quarantine for equipment awaiting a decision.
- No rescue plan to recover a suspended person.
Document workflow
The inspection record works with the work-at-height risk assessment, the rescue plan and user pre-use checks. Equipment that has arrested a fall, or failed inspection, is removed from use and recorded; the issue register tracks who holds what.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a harness and lanyard inspection record.
Retention (high level)
Inspection records are typically kept for the life of the equipment and a period set by the employer and any applicable rules. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Inspection records are commonly stored as PDFs with the equipment register. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the inspection official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Arrange competent inspection on a cycle and after any fall.
- Provide a rescue plan for work at height.
- Quarantine and remove from use any doubtful equipment.
- Keep inspection, issue and rescue-plan records together.
User notes
- Inspect your harness and lanyard before each use.
- Never use equipment that has arrested a fall or looks damaged.
- Know the rescue plan before you work at height.
Country considerations
Requirements for fall protection, inspection and the official authority vary by country. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for safe work at height, suitable fall protection, inspection and rescue, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not constitute an inspection and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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